Change is daunting, but ultimately necessary and inevitable, especially in business. The businesses on the forefront of change are the ones that survive and prosper. And the employees who possess the skill of being highly adaptable to change, are the ones who get and stay employed as well as grow in their careers. “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often,” as Winston S. Churchill said. 

Compare the workplace of 20 years ago to the current workplace today. Technology has opened a global economy, simplified labour, and made us work quicker and more efficiently, but it has also decreased job opportunities. The entire spectrum of products, services, how we sell and do business changed. Our customers today want instant gratification, and service and quality are what sets us apart from an enormously competitive marketplace. In the past 2 years we were forced to work remotely instead of going into a physical office. Even applying for a job has changed and has become much more difficult to do. Previously, you would walk into a business and almost be hired on the spot, whereas today the competition between you and another candidate increased immensely and skills are what will ultimately determine who gets the job.    

However, as Helen Keller said: “A bend in the road is not the end of the road… Unless you fail to make the turn.” But adjusting to change is a skill that does not come easy to everyone. 

What to do to become more adaptable to change in the workplace?

Although the Human Resources department and the management of the business plays a huge role within the change management of the organisation, there are a few things you as the employee can practice increasing your adaptability and bridge change.  Practice the following daily:

• Accept that change will always be a part of life so be prepared for change. 
• Welcome change. Change is necessary for growth so be open-minded about it.
• Keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone by setting new personal goals.
• Focus on the positives of change and force yourself to see opportunities rather than the negatives. 
• Don’t overthink the change and learn to relax about it. Focus on what you do have control over and practice mindfulness. 
• Learn to voice your concerns properly to get feedback and clarity on the changes. This will assist you to plan and adapt better.
• Make change work for you. If you have a good attitude towards change, it will be easier to overcome it.
• Think about what the worst is that can happen. Most of the time the fear you have is much worse than the actual situation. 
• Learn from the changes. Keep upskilling yourself and stay on trends so that you are knowledgeable and equipped to deal with future similar changes more efficiently. 
• Don’t let the fear of failure become your challenge to overcome change. 
• Then, lastly, is help others cope with changes at the office. By doing this, you shift your focus on assisting others and prevent your mind from overthinking and self-pity. 

If you, “Change the way you look at things, the things you look at change,” said Wayne Dyer. We know that adapting to change isn’t easy, but believe us, there will always be change, especially in the workplace and the faster you learn to manage it, the quicker you will realise that there are benefits to change. When you have the right attitude towards change at the office, you will be able to find opportunities to grow.